The effortless transformation of today's technological frustrations into tomorrow's nightmare realities is all too real for comfort. Hugo-winner Stross (Glasshouse) creates a deeply immersive story, writing all three perspectives in the authoritative second-person style of video game instructions and gleefully spiking the intrigue with virtual Orcs, dragons and swordplay. As an electronic intelligence agency trains innocent gamers to do its dirty work, Elaine sets Jack to catch the poacher. The theft is routed through Avalon Four, a virtual reality world complete with supposedly robbery-proof banks. Sue Smith of Edinburgh's finest, London insurance accountant Elaine Barnaby and hapless secret-ridden programmer Jack Reed peel back layer after layer of a scheme to siphon vast assets from Hayek Associates, a firm whose tentacles spread into international economies. faces bankruptcy over its failing infrastructure. So how do some bizarre domestic fatalities, dodgy downloads and an international spamming network fit together? The more DI Kavanaugh learns, the less she wants to find out:- Review(s): 'Savvy, funny, viciously inventive - a grotesque and gripping page-turner' - Cory Doctorow / 'Stross is a grandmaster' - Vernor Vinge / 'Cracking near-future crime laced with humour that's exquisitely wrong' - Chris Brookmyre:- (original cost £12.99).This brilliantly conceived techno-crime thriller spreads a black humor frosting over the grim prospect of the year 2012, when China, India and the European System are struggling for world economic domination in an 'infowar,' and the U.S. But you do wonder who's killing off your potential recruits. But that's OK, because as a distraction, you're project manager of a sophisticated criminal operation. The Toymaker: Your meds are wearing off and people are stalking you through Edinburgh's undergrowth. Although now that you're Consul for a shiny new Eastern European Republic, you've no idea what comes next. As many as 6 books written by author Stross have been nominated for the Hugo Award. He was born in Leeds, England, but currently lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. Especially as you've landed a legit job (through a shady mate). Charles Stross is one of the most successful authors from England, The United Kingdom, who likes to write his books based on the science fiction, crime, horror, and thriller genres. Anwar: As an ex-con, you'd like to think your identity fraud days are over. But when a fetishist dies on your watch, the Rule 34 Squad moves from low priority to worryingly high profile. DI Liz Kavanaugh: You realise policing internet porn is your life and your career went down the pan five years ago. 1st UK edition, 4th printing:- Synopsis: Rule 34: If you can think of it, there's porn of it. © 2011: 2nd in the Halting State' series of books. Condition: Fine: Very small signs of wear.

Halting State by Charles Stross